South Korean military says ROK-U.S.-Japan military exercise plans remain unchanged
According to a report by Reference News Network on September 4, the Korean Central News Agency reported on September 1 that North Korea protested the upcoming joint multi-domain military exercise codenamed "Freedom Shield" by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. In response, the South Korean military stated that the joint exercise plan remains unchanged.
An official from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated on the 1st that this joint exercise is a routine defensive drill held annually by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, aimed at addressing the nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. So far, there have been no adjustments to the joint exercise plan among the three countries.
Regarding the participating forces, the official mentioned that the three countries are discussing this matter, and the U.S. side is considering whether to involve U.S. aircraft carriers in the exercise.
According to reports, the "Freedom Shield" joint multi-domain military exercise is a routine defensive training conducted by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan starting in 2024. This year's joint exercise will take place from the 7th to the 11th of this month in the waters east and south of Jeju. The scale of the previously held South Korea-U.S. "Ulchi Freedom Shield" exercise was significantly reduced, but the South Korea-U.S.-Japan "Freedom Shield" exercise will proceed as originally planned.
A spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on August 31, condemning the "Freedom Shield" trilateral joint military exercise as a threat to North Korea and regional countries, and stated that there has been no change in the U.S. hostile policy towards North Korea.
South Korea, the U.S., and Japan are proceeding with their joint military exercise 'Freedom Shield' from September 7-11, 2023, in the waters east and south of Jeju. This decision comes despite protests from North Korea, which claims the exercise poses a threat. The exercise is a routine defensive drill aimed at countering North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
- The joint military exercise 'Freedom Shield' is scheduled for September 7-11, 2023.
- The exercise is a routine defensive drill involving South Korea, the U.S., and Japan.
- North Korea has protested against the exercise, claiming it poses a threat.
- The scale of the previous exercise 'Eulji Freedom Shield' was significantly reduced, but 'Freedom Shield' will proceed as planned.
- The U.S. is considering the participation of an aircraft carrier in the exercise.